Karate And Judo: Which Is The Better Martial Art?

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Karate is a household name in the world of martial arts simply because it was the first one that broke through western pop culture after World War II. Originally from Okinawa, karate was a favorite past time of US servicemen in the island as the occupation of Japan started. Judo on the other hand is also pioneered in Japan and is also widely popular, especially among non-striking martial art disciplines. It has inspired other combat sports such as the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or BJJ.

These combat sports are very different from one another when it comes to fighting style and training details. This makes a comparison between these two very interesting. This comparison can help you decide better which martial art you will choose to train in. This article bares both the weaknesses of judo and karate and also its strengths.

Learning to Balance Well

Ukemi is the technique of falling to the ground safely. This is an innate element in judo training as its fighting is often done in the ground. Throws, locks, and grappling make ukemi necessary in judo. You can expect to be thrown by your opponent in a judo match. Falling “right” is very important as this prevents injury. The main advantage of this technique is that the acquired skill can be used every day. Tripping something on the pavement or slipping in a tiled floor can throw you off balance. Ukemi can help you fall the best way possible so that it would be less painful and cause lesser possibility of injury.

Karate on the other hand does not teach this technique. Karate is a striking martial art so it is not fought on the floor. Falling to the ground is a disadvantage, not a means to engage an opponent. This makes Karate in a disadvantage when dueling with a judoka. When engaged by a throw, a karateka can easily be immobilized by pain, even injury for the lack of understanding of biomechanics as he is slammed to the ground.

Judo Leaves out the Face Open

Judoka are used to leave their face open during a fight. Judo rules do not allow hitting an opponent in the face. This makes judokas vulnerable in a fight where the other is not necessarily playing by the rules of judo. Karate teaches to hit the head in every opportunity because this is the most effective way to disable an opponent.

People who are practicing karate also make it a point to have their faces protected at all times as a normal defensive stance. In a judo-karate match the first one who would likely get injured is the one using the judo discipline. But when the fight transitions to the ground, a karateka has little chance to put up a fight with the extensive grappling techniques a judoka can use against him.

Easy Participation and Integration

Judo can easily integrate a first timer in a judo session to “fight” with others in the dojo. Learning requisite skills in the martial art is not as necessary in judo as it is in karate. In karate, before you can fight others you need to learn the basic skills for you to understand the kind of engagement that is expected from a karateka. In judo even beginners can participate fully in a fight. This is why judo is very attractive to many as it allows them to get into the sport with minimal know-how. The rules and techniques can be fed slowly and in a progressive manner. This allows a judoka to grow in the sport while being actively involved just like everybody else.

Self Defense Attributes

Judo and karate are great martial arts for self defense from kids to adults. Judo and karate do not only teach fighting techniques but also allow people to gain the confidence they need when they find themselves in a situation where they need to fight back. Knowing self defense skills is way different from acquiring the courage to apply it. Kids who are bullied need the confidence boost of a karate or judo training because this gives them the courage to confront bullies or even portray a stance that can deter bullying.

Karate is an ideal self defense tool because it teaches striking and kicking. This makes it a good pre-emptive self defense approach. But judo is also ideal because it focuses on tackling the threat without necessarily causing injury to the other. This is important for kids because it teaches them not to seek out combative retaliation but just opportunities to get away from a situation that may result in injury.

So which is the better martial art? Both are actually ideal and can be a great choice but this will depend on the preference of the person who would pursue either of these martial art disciplines.

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Hapkido And The US Military: The Motivations Behind The Integration

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The martial art that originally came from Korea have come a long way today and now its combat application is lauded by the world’s biggest and most experienced combat forces in the world – the US military. The reason why Hapkido won the US military over is its solid approach to rendering the enemy in the battlefield little chance of resistance and if necessary, survival.

Hapkido is a martial art known for pressure point techniques, throws, kicking and punching, and even grappling. It also works with weapons such as knives and sticks making it handy in combat zones that are becoming more intimate between enemies like in the case of CQB. But there are some very important reasons why the armed forces of the Unites States choose Hapkido as a feasible martial arts discipline for its soldiers.

Hapkido is Not a Traditional Martial Art

There is nothing wrong about “traditional” martial arts. There will be no existing and viable martial art without the tradition component of each. Hapkido is the same, but the combat version of this martial art is not as fanatical about form, posture, stance, and movement. It goes directly to the usable components of the discipline in the context of today’s battlefield. It goes away from the convention of the rules of engagement of the past and even the very kind of war fought today.

Hapkido is an evolved art that is fitted to accompany the modern warrior. This is why the US military is attracted to it. There is no classical stances and positions anymore just the combative core of Hapkido. The joint locks are kept the same but the approach is changed – like how to employ it in tight spaces and how to effectively apply it with the gear a modern soldier has in a typical combat mission. This kind of contextualization allows hapkido to be welcomed to the US military and should also be the reason why people should start knowing more about it for self defense.

Hapkido and Individual Combat

There is a lot of individual combat out in the battlefield today especially those American soldiers are fighting in right now. The battle situation has changed tremendously over the years. Soldiers today are not battling it out in remote jungles and secluded and uninhabited stretches of desert but in the middle of urban areas. Battles are waged in buildings and houses complimented with missions that include neighborhood patrols, house to house weapon seizures, and even clearing of residential complexes from armed enemies that can easily blend in with the civilian population

This kind of war demands some specific skills that do not use guns even though soldiers today are carrying more powerful and efficient firearms than in the past. Their better weapons cannot give them protection at all times especially when they are inside a house where innocent women and children are also inside. Sometimes the enemy can jump on the soldier from behind or come in fast in their faces, so close and too quickly that discharging their weapon is impossible. Hapkido can help soldiers have enough skills to subdue an enemy with their bare hands, perhaps throw them off, or hit them efficiently to subdue them quickly without risking innocent lives by pulling a trigger in very tight spaces.

Furthermore in war it is almost inevitable that a solider finds himself alone. Perhaps he is separated from his unit, or that his patrol team got ambushed or tripped on a land mine. A soldier can easily find himself operating on his own in hostile territory and there will be instances where hand to hand combat is not just an option but a necessity. Hapkido is a martial art that provides the needed skill to neutralize enemies in a very practical manner. No more traditional spinning kicks or space consuming movements – just simplified techniques that are quick, effective, and efficient.

What Hapkido is Teaching the US Military?

There are specific skills that hapkido are imparting to US soldiers. One of which is teaching them to make use of their hands to make sure attackers do not easily grab their weapons. Attackers from nowhere would likely do this to make sure that the soldier cannot use it against them. Hapkido is also teaching soldiers to better use their knives and to defend themselves from bladed weapons in confined spaces.

Trapping techniques are some of the most hammered-in skills of hapkido. This allows soldiers to deal with knife attacks. Hapkido is also teaching soldiers to always hit the head first to render the attacker blind and rattled. This will enable him to control the fight early. Hapkido also teaches low-line kicking, joint locks, and the application of pressure points. The combination of these things provides the American soldier enough skills to survive and thrive in the modern battleground.

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Why Kids Ought To Become a Judoka

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Judo is one of the oldest martial arts in the world and it has formed the backbone of many comparable disciplines in Japan. It has also spurred the development of similar arts in the form of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Sambo. It is an Olympic sport, a testament of its very important contribution in the world of martial arts. Children can easily learn judo. Although it is a demanding sport and requires a lot of discipline from kids, it can also shape character in young children. This is why parents are inclined to get their kids into it. There is more to judo than just throwing and grappling opponents in the floor. It also teaches a lot of things that is way beyond martial arts. Read on and understand why your kids should be a judoka.

Self Awareness and Judo

Young kids are often far too removed from their own self especially when they are young and this is often the reason why they act the way they do – clumsy at times and inconsiderate of other’s feelings. Judo teaches kids to sync their minds and their bodies. Because the sport is physically stimulating, motivating children to learn the details of judo is not as hard. When they understand how their body and mind work together they also become more self aware and they also begin to be aware of others making them more considerate, kind, and yes, coordinated.

Better Balance and Flexibility

Judo teaches techniques that make it necessary for the kids to be twisted and turned during training. They are also contorted in so many ways that an improved flexibility becomes a natural consequence. While kids are normally accident prone, often finding themselves trapped in tight spaces and tripping over the smallest blunders on the pavement, kids who are into judo are not as exposed to these risks because they have a better sense of balance plus they are more flexible. Parents can effectively reduce the risk of accidents for their children when they get them to a judo program. Kids can naturally assume a balanced posture even when they stumble thanks to Judo training.

Judo Teaches Kids to Concentrate

Judo may look like random wrestling to parents but judo has extensive rules of engagement and there is a method for everything done during a duel so kids have no choice but to concentrate on what they are doing, minding their offense, defense, and their ultimate goal to win without causing injury to their opponent. Judo also teaches a lot of balance techniques, force production and leveraging, and even biomechanics. At any point during a duel with an opponent they have to get into a mode of heightened focus training them to better direct their attention to a specific thing. The ability to focus and concentrate is a common problem among children. Judo can help in this struggle.

Judo is Built Around Respect, Discipline, and Ethical Competition

Judokas are not just known to be persistent and tenacious they are also very ethical when it comes to “fighting” with an opponent. They bow to their opponent and to the referee, a sign of respect to his opponent and submission to the authority of the sport official. The bowing also signifies the willingness of the other to engage his or her opponent. Respect is a huge thing in judo and this is why opponents are not into hurting each other but to get the other to the ground as fast as possible without causing serious injury. This demands a lot of discipline and self control. This is where judo excels among many other martial arts. After each fight it is compulsory to shake the hands of your opponent, a clear manifestation of sportsmanship and ethics.

Judo Teaches Kids to be Bully Proof

Judo can instill in children a healthy level of self confidence. The sport allows them to discover their strengths. They are empowered by understanding the fact that their limitations and weaknesses do not define them. This sense of confidence allows them to resist bullying in an effective way as they do not fight off bullies physically but thru projecting an aura of self-respect bullies are often afraid of. Judo becomes a natural deterrent for bullying. Judo also allows kids to protect themselves but not in a manner that results to physical injury. Judo does not even teach striking or kicking instead it teaches kids to control their opponent by pinning them on the ground or rendering them powerless to hurt them as they also take evasive action.

Judo shapes the character of kids. Judo has been known to solve behavioral problems of children who are rowdy and are known to be rambunctious or misbehaved. Starting kids early on the sport allows them to embrace the values and discipline the sport teaches.

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The Key Differences Between Judo And Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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Judo is one of the most popular disciplines in the world of martial arts and for a very good reason. It is unique because it does not even teach strikes and its rules are way different from others like karate, taekwondo, or aikido. Judo is all about throws, grappling, and submission. From judo comes a derivative discipline called BJJ or the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It is now one of the most known disciplines in the MMA universe. It is so popular that it is even starting to overshadow judo in many ways although the latter is more recognized with its Olympic inclusion. What are the actual, most obvious differences between the two?

Strategy Differences

Judo and BJJ have very different strategies. Judo is about having a firm grip on the opponent and then throwing him off balance so that when he hits the ground, he will be immobilized. This is a rather straightforward kind of strategy compared to BJJ. This also makes judo a more ideal self defense technique as it strives to neutralize an opponent early on. When both judokas hit the ground at the same time then chokes and submission techniques comes into the picture.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu sees the beginning of the fight when the opponent hits the ground. BJJ focuses on the ground fighting and fighters who are not used to the techniques of BJJ will surely succumb to the many variation of chokes employed in the combat sport. Domination on the ground is the key goal of BJJ.

Rule Differences

Judo can easily decide if a fight is won only by the solid throwing of the opponent to the ground. This is called an “ippon”, a very straightforward means to judge the outcome of a match. In BJJ a throw can only be rewarded points, how high this goes would depend on the quality of the throw. The ultimate resolution of a BJJ match is the submission of the other, either by a choke or a hold that puts a strain to different parts of the body that causes immense pain.

In judo, the engagement on the ground is timed and if there is no submission from both fighters in that time window, both of them would assume their standing position to start another attempt at the sport. A judo match starts immediately as judokas are figuring a way to get the other to the ground.

Culture

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a modern approach to combat sports. The culture of BJJ is to apply a myriad of ways to make sure that the opponent submits. This often means that everything can go as far as applicable techniques are concerned. Even the founder of BJJ, Helio Gracie, underwent a necessary surgery because of a submission incident and he almost died once as he passed out while resisting the urge to tap out of a killer choke. This clearly defines the overall culture of BJJ – it is a more vicious and unforgiving kind of martial art.

Judo on the other hand is built around traditional Japanese martial art philosophy. It operates in the idea of respect so there will always be limits to what you can do while engaging an opponent. This does not mean however that judo does not demand much from its practitioners. Judo is very demanding in some aspects of its training and this includes understanding how to keep your balance best, outmaneuvering the enemy from having a firm grip on any part of your body, and finding a way to get the opponent to the ground in one clear sweep. It can be observed that judo matches are faster and more aggressive compared to BJJ matches. This is because judokas are rushing to get the other to the ground. In the case of BJJ, the opposite is sometimes true – some fighters even allow themselves to be brought down to the ground if this is one of the best ways to position for a submission as they go down.

BJJ and Judo share the same background – Jujutsu. Although there are differences between both combat sports, it is very easy to spot the similarities. It is also obvious that both can complement each other in so many ways so that the mastery of judo can immensely help a BJJ fighter and vice versa. The mechanics of the fight of both are nearly the same and the rules only differ because of the premise of where the actual fight starts.

Which of the two is better? The choice would depend on the preferences and application of the sport to the one who would pursue it. However in the self defense context, Judo would be more practical because of its simpler nature. Its offensive goals are also easier to achieve.

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Why Ordinary People Need To Learn Karate

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Karate is one of the most popular words associated with martial arts. In fact it is used in the past as a general term for any form of oriental martial art – taekwondo is karate, judo or aikido is karate, even kung fu is karate. This mixed up is understandable because karate was the very first martial art that broke through popular culture with many famous movies made on its behalf (remember “Karate Kid”?).

Karate is basically a striking martial art originating from Okinawa. It teaches kicking, punching, knee strikes, elbow strikes, even toe strikes and open handed strikes. Thanks to the popularity of karate it does not only teach people a specific combat sport but it is also a source of learning for life in general. Read and understand what karate can offer people when they choose to learn it and make it a lifestyle.

Karate is for Self Defense

This must be the most overused phrase in the world of martial arts but it does not make it less true. In fact this remains to be at the core of learning combat sports and must not be shamefully admitted by people who want to feel safe wherever they go because they are equipped with knowledge how to act and react in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening situations.

Self defense is a wide word. It can include having pepper spray in your pocket, or carrying a gun in your purse, or enrolling in a self defense course. While all these can work, it is important to note that these have some serious drawbacks. Self defense tools are good to have but what if you cannot reach for it when attacked? What if your crash course knowledge gets clouded with fear and panic during an attack? Fear can easily leave you paralyzed to apply everything what you have learned in a self defense class.

This is where karate can become a huge advantage in self defense. First it is not necessary for you to bring any tool to defend yourself. You only need both your hands and feet so you will always be ready to counter any attack. Secondly, karate is not a crash course of sorts. It is an ideally lifelong pursuit of combat sport training and knowledge. It teaches you defense principles, correct posture, discipline, and the mental control and awareness that will allow you to react by instinct.

Fear and confidence issues of whether you can fight or not are not applicable in karate. Karate gives you the skills to fight AND also give you the confidence to apply the techniques when you need to. Karate will also help you to be aware of your surroundings at all times allowing you to avert dangerous situations. All these contribute to you defending yourself and your loved ones effectively.

Karate is for Fitness

There is no doubt that karate can improve your overall fitness. Karate on its own cannot be classified as an aerobic exercise because it can never get your heartbeat up to 80% capacity for at least 20 minutes but the warm up exercises of karate can be considered aerobic even the sparring sessions. The great thing about karate as a fitness tool is its ability to work our every muscle in your body. This allows you to focus your attention to all your muscle groups.

The value of karate for one’s fitness is significant because its training is innately intense. It exercises the whole body and greatly improves your stamina, flexibility, strength, and even speed. Karate however demands time and dedication from you. It requires massive amount of discipline. The good thing about it is that it rewards your hard work very well. If you are motivated to train longer and harder, you also get to burn more calories and at the same time increase your skill level significantly. There will be differences on how much you can improve your fitness level but one thing is for sure, karate can lead you towards a healthier you.

Karate can Instill Confidence

People who have confidence issues are often the ones who are not sure of their limitations and those who doubts if they have it in them the capacity to overcome their limitations. In karate training, personal limitations are one of the first things that are addressed. Karate exposes limitations yet provides for the drive to address these limits. A person who is able to conquer his fears and doubts in life will surely have a heightened sense of self worth. This new found confidence does not breed superiority but humility. This confidence is hard earned and so it does not balloon up an ego. It is quiet confidence that will not only make a person a better karateka but also a better, stronger person.

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Grip Strength Training for Martial Arts

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When it comes to martial arts training, you might often think about improving your core strength. You may even be more concerned in improving your cardiovascular endurance, so you can last longer during training. But have you ever thought of enhancing your grip strength?

Grip strength is an often overlooked facet of martial arts training. Martial arts practitioners usually train to improve their cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and strength, but not always to boost their grip strength.

But do you realize how much force you need from your wrists to be able to pull off techniques in judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu? Grip strength can also enhance your punching power, and prevent wrist injuries when striking with your hands.

That said, here are some of the basic grip strength exercises that you may want to incorporate in your exercise regimen:

1. Dumbbell Rows with Towel

Before starting this exercise, place a towel around a dumbbell. Then put one of your knees on the bench, while your other foot is on the floor. Bend over to keep your back parallel with the ground.

Reach down and clutch the towel that is wrapped around the dumbbell. Your arm should be extended so that you can reach for the towel, while you keep your other arm locked in placed on the bench.

With your palms facing in, start to lift the towel and the dumbbell to your side. Avoid moving the rest of your body. Lower the towel and dumbbell slowly and repeat. Do six to eight repetitions of three to four sets.

2. Farmer’s Walk

This is another exercise that should be able to improve your grip strength. It can be tough to pull off at first, especially if you use a very heavy weight. As such, it is advised that you start with a low weight until you get used to this exercise.

To do this exercise, take two dumbbells. Grasp them both at your sides, just between the forefinger and dumb. Avoid bending, keeping your back straight all the time. Start to walk while holding the weights.

Three sets of this exercise while holding the dumbbells for at least 20 seconds should be enough. Of course, it is ideal that you do it longer (more than 90 minutes) if you’re using a low weight.

3. Fingertip Push Ups

This is a variation of the typical push up designed to improve grip strength. To perform this exercise, place your fingertips on a push up position. Then do a push up. So instead of having your hands on the floor holding up your body, you’re basically relying on your finger tips to support your entire body weight. Do three to four sets of this exercise.

4. Grippers

Obviously, you need a gripper for this exercise. Grippers aren’t really expensive; you can get one from your local sports equipment store for $10 to $20.

Once you have a gripper, slowly close it in a controlled manner. Hold it for about three to five seconds before opening it slowly. Repeat this as many times possible.

5. Reverse Curls

This not only strengthens your grips, but also works out your forearms. To do this exercise, get a curling bar with an overhand grip. You palms should be facing in toward your body, and your arms must be at around shoulder width.

Stand up straight, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Slowly curl up the barbell towards your chest in a steady, controlled manner. While you do this, keep your elbows and arms in place as there’s a chance your elbows would flail out.

Once your hands hit your chest, squeeze your biceps before slowly lowering the barbell. Do this anywhere from 10 to 15 repetitions for at least three sets.

6. Hex Dumbbell Holds

Hex dumbbells are fixtures in most gyms. To do this exercise, simply grab two hex dumbbells at their ends and hold them for as long as possible. Rest for a minute, then repeat. Pick a weight that you can hold for 30 seconds or more.

7. Plate Pinch

Put together a couple of Olympic weights, with the smooth side out and squeeze them together using your fingers. Hold on for as long as you can.

You can start with 10 pound plates. Try if you have enough power and grip strength to hold four 10 pound plates in each hand. After taking a one minute rest, repeat this exercise for a total of three to four repetitions.

But you may ask—how frequent should you do this exercises? Ideally, you should have grip strength training every other day. The forearms are not considered a major muscle group, so they should be able to recover from a workout after 48 hours. You should also rotate the exercises to keep things fresh, and enable you to go all-out on these workouts. You can also do these exercises towards the end of your workout.

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The Importance of a Strong Core in Martial Arts

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Many novice martial arts practitioners don’t realize the need to strengthen their abdominal muscles. Perhaps they’re too engrossed in learning the basics of martial arts like kicking, striking, and poking. That’s fine, but strengthening the core can help any martial art practitioner in the long run.

One reason is that we don’t really use the abdominal muscles on a day to day basis. These muscles aren’t utilized regularly as say, the muscles on our arms and legs, which are harnessed regularly because we have to walk, run, and pick things up.

Strengthening the core muscles can improve one’s stability and balance which are important in the martial arts. For instance, you need to have a good balance in taekwondo as most of the kicks involving having one foot off the ground.

Also, core muscles like the obliques add power to punches and kicks. A punch begins with a push from the leg, with the force moving through the body, shoulders, arms then to the fist. Now if you have a weak core, the punch loses some of the force that the legs generated. On the other hand, having strong obliques would add to the power.

Another reason why you should aim to have a strong core is that it can protect your organs from damage, particularly the abdominal muscles.

Indeed, having a strong core can go a long way towards making you a very good martial arts practitioner. That said, here are some of the abdominal exercises that you should perform on a regular basis:

1. Crunches

To do the standard crunch, begin by lying on your back with the feet on the floor and your knees bent. Place your hands on the top of the thighs. Take a deep breath and contract your abs. Then lift your shoulders off the floor as you breathe out.

Once your hands reach the knees, stay in position for a second or two to allow you to “crunch” the abs. After you have breath out all the air, lower your shoulders to the floor and then breathe in. Repeat.

You can make things harder and more challenging by putting your hands behind your head. You can also hold at the top for a bit longer, like 10 seconds or more. Or you can hold a weight plate on your chest.

As much as possible, don’t take breaks in between the crunches. You should not aim to have as many crunches as possible. Remember that it should be about quality and not quantity. It’s better to have a set of 10 good crunches than 100 bad crunches.

2. Hanging Leg Raises

One of the most powerful core exercises, hanging leg raise not only train the abs but strengthen other muscle groups like the back, arms, shoulders and even the legs.

To do this exercise, you need a pull up bar. You should also have enough arm strength to hang from the pull up bar. Start the exercise by hanging from the high bar with a shoulder width overhand grip. Keep your knees straight as you raise your legs by flexing the hips. Once the knees are well above your hips, return to the original position.

Repeat this eight to 10 times for one set.

In doing this exercise, you should engage your abs muscles and not the legs. Hence you should get your power from the core and not cheat your way by getting force from your legs.

3. Plank

This exercise is a good warm-up for both the crunches and hanging leg raises. To do this, start by lying face down on the floor, and your elbows by your body. Your hands should be parallel to your face.

Bend your elbows about 90 degrees, resting your body weight on your forearms. The elbows must be directly beneath the shoulders, with your body forming a straight line from the head to the feet. Hold the position for at least two minutes.

You can make it harder by having someone put a weight plate on your back. You can also lift one arm or one leg off the floor while keeping your shoulders flat.

These are just three of the exercises that you can do to develop a stronger core. There are other core exercises that you can try like hanging knee raises, alternate arm and leg raises and rollouts.

Remember that you have to listen to your body. If it aches too much after an intense core training, then you have to rest as you have likely pushed your body to the limit. You must also see to it that other parts of the body like the back or legs don’t hurt when you do the aforementioned exercises. If it does then you’re probably doing the core exercises wrong.

You should also maintain a good diet, one that is rich in protein, to be able to have a strong core.

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The Best Martial Arts for Self Defense

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We live in a very dangerous world. Crime is rampant anywhere you go, and it would not be a stretch of the imagination to say the chance of you getting attacked in the street is higher than 20 years ago.

As such, a lot of people are thinking of ways to protect themselves. Products like stun guns have become very popular especially among women. Some resort to buying and carrying firearms. Others beef up their knowledge of self-defense by taking up a martial art.

If you’re one of those people who want to know how to protect yourself in the case of an attack, which martial art should you take up? Here are five martial arts that you should consider:

1. Krav Maga

This martial arts style was developed particularly for Israeli policemen, to help them during high pressure situations. It is a tactical mixed martial art that combines techniques of boxing, aikido, judo, and jujitsu.

In Krav Maga, the primary goal of the practitioner is to neutralize the threat as fast as possible. Because of that goal, you don’t have to worry about your fighting etiquette nor be concerned about your form.

In Krav Maga, you are tasked to do anything to preserve your life. As such, there are no patterns in Krav Maga. You’ll have to learn how to block, hold, and strike your opponent.

Other martial arts treat defensive and offensive moves as separate movements. For instance, you’ll have to block a punch first before you can make your counterattack. Things are different in Krav Maga, as the martial art teaches its practitioners how to transition a defensive move into a counterattack. Hence you’ll be taught how to deflect an attack and simultaneously strike your opponent by going for a part of his body like the eyes.

2. Japanese Jujitsu

Since most fights would have you on the ground, you’ll find Japanese jujitsu very helpful. This martial art will teach you how to disarm an opponent. You can apply techniques like leg locks or calf crush, forcing your opponent to let you go and giving you time to flee or call the police.

Jujitsu will also teach you how to incapacitate your opponent. For instance, a triangle choke combines neck crank, choke, and arm bar. It may also be enough for you to finish off your opponent when you pull off this move.

Or you can also suffocate your opponent to death by squeezing his throat, or the arteries on the sides of his neck to prevent the blood from flowing to his brain. This technique may also kill your opponent.

3. Muay Thai

This Thai martial art is also a good discipline to get into if you’re concerned about self defense. In Muay Thai, you’ll learn how to block a punch, or change the direction of the strike so that your opponent would miss his target. You will also be taught how to move your body out of the way (avoidance) or move it out of an opponent’s range of strike, giving you the chance to counterattack.

Muay Thai also teaches disruptive techniques like low roundhouse kick and jabs, pre-empting an attack of your opponent. You will also learn how to anticipate a strike, like catching a roundhouse kick and countering before it lands to a part of your body.

4. Karate

Karate’s focus on footwork makes it a great martial art for self defense as well. In this style, you’ll be able to move into range, strike your opponent, and move out of harm’s way in a few seconds. It also helps that karate teaches powerful strikes that you can use to incapacitate an aggressor. Karate is also a great martial art for self defense because you can use its moves to take on multiple opponents.

Of course, most fights would have you go to the ground which would put you at a disadvantage if you only know karate moves. So you need to have some level of distance from your opponent.

5. Judo

In judo, the aim is to utilize the strength of your opponent against him. As such, you don’t have to be strong to be able to pull off judo moves.

There are numerous judo moves that would help you resist an attacker. Hip techniques or koshi-waza would enable you to make an opponent lose his balance. Some hip techniques you can put to good use are large hip throw and sweeping hip throw. You can also learn joint locks to grasp your opponent’s joint and bend in the opposite direction to make him virtually helpless.

As you can see, martial arts can help you defend yourself against any aggressor. So what are you waiting for? Look for a martial arts school specializing in any of the styles mentioned earlier, study the basics, train hard, and equip yourself with the know-how to repel an attack.

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Things to Consider in Choosing a Martial Arts School

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Are you contemplating on studying a martial art? As you may know by now, there are different martial arts that you can get into, like karate, judo, and taekwondo. But how do you choose a martial arts school?

Enrolling in a martial arts school is akin to buying a second hand car. You would not know what you’re getting into until you’re actually in the class training with a martial arts instructor. Since fees in these institutions aren’t exactly cheap, you’d like to take your time in looking for a school where you can learn the basics of karate, taekwondo or any other martial art.

You must also bear in mind that martial arts schools in most countries aren’t regulated by a government agency or commission, and there are no consumer groups that can aid in ensuring the quality of instruction. This fact only underlines the need for you to be more discerning in choosing a martial arts school.

Here are some things you should look for in a martial arts institution:

1. Proximity

You’d like to enroll in a school that is close to your residence or place of work. This would make it easier for you to go to class. Can you imagine how inconvenient it would be for you if the school you enrolled with is more than 30 miles away from where you work or live?

So list down all the martial arts schools that are within an acceptable travel distance for you, as well as your preferred style. Then set up an appointment so you can watch their classes. If the school offers an introductory class free of charge, then take it.

2. Equipment/Facility

When you arrive at the school, take time to inspect the equipment and amenities it offers. Some large schools have weight training equipment, showers, and lockers. Others don’t offer these amenities. Of course, it is likely that those which have complete amenities charge higher fees, but it is up to you to decide which of these amenities are important and necessary for your training.

3. Class Size and Schedule

Most neophytes would rather be part of a large training group instead of a small class. It’s understandable if you feel the same, because you may have some insecurities being a novice. However, it would be better if you join a small class as you will get more individual attention from the instructor. This way, you can learn the moves and techniques faster.

You must also check the time of day the classes are offered, as well as the duration. Some schools have hour-long classes, while others have 90 minute classes. Determine the length of class that you are most comfortable with, taking into consideration your commitments at work, school, and home.

4. Class and Age Group

Inquire whether or not the classes are separated by age or belt level. You may want to join a class where the participants are of the same age as you. There’s a good chance that joining a class of younger participants may backfire in the long run, as the younger ones would be able to execute techniques better than you can and this may shatter your confidence. Moreover, the difference in maturity levels could also prove distracting not only to you but also to them.

5. Quality of Instruction

One misconception that neophyte martial arts practitioners have is that enrolling in a class which is handed by a well-known martial arts guru is the way to go. They believe that they’ll get schooled by the said individual. However, in reality, it is usually an assistant or high-ranking student of the martial arts master who handles the classes.

Before signing on the dotted line, you should ascertain who will be doing the instruction. Ask how frequent the master instructor will attend the classes, and the extent of his participation.

That’s not to say these individuals are not fully qualified to teach, but you should ascertain ahead of time on who will be doing the instruction, and how the master instructor will be to help you during the course of your learning.

You must also talk to the instructor before committing with the school. Is he receptive to your queries? If he isn’t, then you might as well look for another school or class. Does his answers sound rehearsed? That may be a warning sign as well as he may just be eager to sign you up so he can get more money at the end of the day.

These are just five of the factors that you should look for in a martial arts school. Of course, there are other things that can come into play like the fees. Make sure that you consider all these dynamics well before you commit to a martial arts institution.

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The Most Common Martial Arts Weapons

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One common misconception about martial arts is that those who practice it rely only on their physical attributes, and the use of their body parts like hands and feet to ward off their opponents.

On the contrary, martial arts practitioners especially in the olden times used weapons such as swords. In Asia, martial arts weapons were created as early as the 15th century most of which were assembled in China. Through the years, martial arts weapons have had this mystique as legends and folklore suggested that those who use these items were guided by spirits.

Martial arts weapons can be grouped into two: bladed and non-bladed. A bladed weapon has a sharpened edge for slicing, cutting, and slashing, or a sharp point for stabbing and thrusting. Some of the weapons that are in this group are spears, daggers, knives, swords, and clubs.

On the other hand, non-bladed weapons are those used to stun, club, or bludgeon an opponent. The most popular blunt weapon may have to be the staff, or bo and stick.

That said, here are some of the more common martial arts weapons:

1. Sword

The sword may have evolved from the dagger during the Bronze Age period, when construction of longer blades became possible. In Asia, Chinese steel swords were said to have been used at the end of the Western Zhou Dynasty which was around 1,000 years before the birth of Christ. It was not widely used in the country, however, until the Han Dynasty or around the 3rd century B.C.

The Japanese are also known for the use of swords. Of course, you may have heard of the katana or the samurai sword. This is a curved and singled edged blade with a long grip that allows users to hold it using two hands.

The Japanese also have different types of swords. They call a straight sword Chokuto, which was produced prior to the start of the 10th century. They also have a two edged sword called Tsurugi, and a long, big and curved sword called tachi which was in vogue during the 13th century.

2. Sai

The sai looks like a small sword but unlike the latter, it is versatile as it can be valuable for its offensive and defensive capabilities. A kobudo karate weapon, it can be used to disarm an armed attacker, or beat him using a variety of offensive strikes. It can also be a show weapon that is used in many martial arts demos around the world.

3. Staff

The staff is also another popular weapon among martial arts practitioners because of its long range striking capability. It can also beautifully spin during demonstrations. Legend has it that the bo staff, which was used in feudal Japan, was not designed to be a weapon. It was originally intended for balancing baskets of harvested crops, as well as milk or fish. But since it was so common, martial artists eventually found another use for it– as a weapon.

4. Nunchaku

The nunchaku is another traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon. It consists of two sticks that are connected by a short chain or rope. It was first used by Okinawan royalty. It was not really popular at first because it was relatively ineffective when ranged against other weapons at that time like the samurai sword, aside from the few techniques that can maximize its use.

In modern times, the weapon became popular thanks to Bruce Lee, widely regarded as the most influential martial artist of all time. Lee popularized the use of the nunchaku in his movies. His student, another actor named Dan Inosanto also used this weapon in some of the flicks he made.

A contemporary nunchaku can be made from wood, plastic, metal, or fiber glass.

5. Fighting Fans

It’s very likely you are familiar with fighting fans, as these weapons have been extensively featured in martial arts movies. Fighting fans are well used in martial arts like Kung Fu because these can be utilized to surprise an opponent. These weapons are made of either wood or metal, and often have beautiful designs that are intended to distract an unsuspecting victim.

In Japanese martial arts, these fans are called Tessen. In fact, many martial arts assassins disguise themselves as geisha by using fans. They then surprise their enemies by using tessen.

Bamboo kung fu fighting fans are also used for demonstrations because of their light weight and flexibility. The heavier steel fan, meanwhile, is more of an offensive weapon and can be used for striking. It can even be utilized to deflect weapons.

6. Eskrima Sticks

Eskrima is a martial art that is popular in the Philippines and similar to sword fighting. The weapon of choice in this martial art is the eskrima stick, which is available in many styles and weights. These sticks are durable and flexible, made from lightweight wood like rattan and waxwood.

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